Rafferty, who was elected to a third term in the Pennsylvania Senate in late 2010, has experience as a private practice attorney specializing in everything from education law, to real estate matters, zoning and business, and estates law.

The legislator served as a deputy state attorney general working in the Criminal Law Division from 1988 to 1991.

“I very much look forward to my relationship with Lamb McErlane,” Rafferty said in a statement released by the law firm. “Joining Lamb McErlane was an easy decision based on my existing relationships there and the firm’s capabilities.

“It has the depth and breadth of experience to service clients at affordable/reasonable rates and I have always been impressed with the firm’s community involvement.”

Rafferty obtained his law degree from Temple University in Philadelphia.

The legislator currently serves as chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, as vice chairman of the Judiciary Committee, and is a member of the Appropriations, Banking and Insurance, Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, and Law and Justice Committees, according to a profile on his website.

Rafferty had his sights set on the state Attorney General’s Office when the top law enforcer post was open last year, but he ultimately suspended his race after failing to secure the endorsement of Gov. Tom Corbett, who had served as Pennsylvania Attorney General prior to being elected governor.

Lamb McErlane is a 30-plus member full service law firm based in West Chester, Chester County.